Saturday, 27 December 2014

Saturday, 13 December 2014

There are 44 rivers in Kerala, all originating in the
Western Ghats. 41 of them flow westward and 3 eastward. The rivers of Kerala
are small, in terms of length, breadth and water discharge. The rivers flow
faster, owing to the hilly terrain and as the short distance between the
Western Ghats and the Arabian sea. All the rivers are entirely monsoon-fed and
many of them shrink into rivulets or dry up completely during summer.

The following is a list of the westward-flowing rivers of
Kerala state in southern India, in order of length, and their tributaries.
These rivers all originate in the Western Ghats range and flow westward into
the Kerala Backwaters or into the Arabian Sea. Length in kilometers is in
parentheses.

Periyar River (244 KM)

Edamala River

Cheruthoni River

Mullayar River

Muthirapuzha River

Perinjankutti River

Bharatapuzha River (209 KM)

Thuthapuzha River

Gayathripuzha River

Kalpathipuzha River

Kannadipuzha River

Pamba River (176KM)

Azhuthayar

Kakkiyar

Kakkattar

Kallar

Perunthenaruvi

Madatharuvi

Thanungattilthodu

Kozhithodu

Varattar

Kuttemperoor

Chaliyar River (169 KM)

Cherupuzha (Mavoor)

Iruvanjippuzha

Cherupuzha (Areekode)

Kuthirappuzha

Kuruvanpuzha

Kanjirappuzha

Karimpuzha

Pandippuzha

Neerppuzha

Chalakudy River (169 KM)

Parambikulam
River

Kadalundy River (130 KM)

Achankoil River (128 KM)

Kallada River (121 KM)

Muvattupuzha River (121 KM)

Valapattanam River (110 KM)

Chandragiri River (105 KM)

Manimala River (90 KM)

Vamanapuram River (88 KM)

Kuppam River (88 KM)

Meenachil River (78 KM)

Kuttiyadi River (74 KM)

Karamana River (68 KM)

Shiriya River (68 KM)

Kariangode River (64 KM)

Ithikkara River (56 KM)

Neyyar River (56 KM)

Mahé River (54 KM)

Kechery River (51 KM)

Perumba River (51 KM)

Uppala River (50 KM)

Karuvannur River (48 KM)

Kurumali River

Anjarakkandi River (48 KM)

Tirur River (48 KM)

Neeleshwaram River (46 Km)

Pallikkal River (42 KM)

Kallayi River (40 KM)

Korapuzha River (40 KM)

Mogral River (34 KM)

Kavvai puzha River (31 KM)

Pannagam River (30 KM)

Thanikkudam River (29 KM)

Mamam River (27KM)

Thalassery River (28KM)

Chittary River (25KM)

Ramapuram River (19KM)

Ayiroor River (17KM)

East flowing rivers

There are three rivers rise in
Kerala and flow eastwards, Kabini into Karnataka and the other two into Tamil
Nadu.

Sunday, 7 December 2014

Kerala backwaters are a network of interconnected canals,
rivers, lakes and inlets and its more than 900KM of waterways.

Alappuzha
- Canal Cruise

Step into the country boat and wind through the labyrinth of
canals in Alleppey to enjoy spending the good time amidst the sights and sounds
of the hydrosphere.

A wide range of cruise options are available from small
country boats to luxury houseboats and small speedboats to big passenger
motorboats.

The canal networks linked to the Vembanad Lake offer
an inspiring and interesting experience. Enjoy the sights of vast stretches of
paddy fields, coconut lagoons and pied King Fishers hurtling down to catch the
fish. You would also come across small islands, locals engaged in fishing
activities on country boats, children being ferried to schools and kettuvallams,
the majestic rice barges, gliding over the canals. Another interesting sight is
that of large flocks of ducks being shepherded to newly-harvested paddy fields.

Alappuzha - Kochi cruise

En Route, The green shores throbbing with vigour and pure
beauty will never tire you. The soft sunlight lends the calm water a new
enchantment as the palms on both shores welcome you with a gentle whisper in
the wind. Your mind will assure you that this scene will remain within you, to
relieve you during all your busiest hours.

Once you enter Q S T and R Block Kayal, it is an added
enchantment. It is situated at Kuttanad, popularly known as the rice bowl of
Kerala. Cruise leisurely through the canals, which are fringed by palm groves
and paddy fields.

On reaching Kumarakom, you enter another world of
wonders. This small backwater village, which is a cluster of islands, has a
life of its own, with a slow, serene rhythm. The sights, sounds and fragrances
will simply captivate you.

After staying back at Kumarakom for a bit and relaxing, you
may proceed to Vaikom. It is time again to enjoy the placidity of the Vembanad
Lake, in all its splendor. On the way, you will find a small island,
Pathiramanal, seemingly afloat in the middle of the backwater. Have a brief
stop and your guide can share with you many interesting myths surrounding this
region.

On resuming your journey, the next halt point for
you is Thanneermukkom, a village known for its Salt Water Barrier, popularly
known as Thanneermukkom Bund. It is the largest mud regulator in India.
Travelling through this region and savoring some delicious Kerala snacks is a
simply marvelous experience.

Your next backwater destination - Vaikom offers
you many interesting sights and lifestyles. You may find here the specimens of
Kerala's grand tradition. A famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is the prime
attraction of this town. The refreshing greenery here is another add-on for you.

From Vaikom, after refreshing with a delicious Kerala
meal, you may proceed to Kumbalangi. We travel via Thykkattussery, a small
village surrounded by coconut groves and paddy fields, enchanting constituents
of backwater life. The first sight that welcomes you to Kumbalangi is that of
majestic Chinese fishing nets lining the sides of the backwaters. Pokkali
cultivation, a traditional indigenous method of cultivation in which the
practice of taking a paddy crop is followed by prawn filtration, is a unique
farming practice at Kumbalangi.

Once through the breezy backwaters of Kumbalangi,
it is time for us to proceed to Fort Kochi, known for its share of Chinese
fishing nets and many historic sites. The place is worth a walk, if you would
like to. However, the sights from on board are also fascinating.

Bidding adieu to Fort Kochi, let us steer towards
the Bolghatty Island, our final destination. En route to the Bolghatty Island,
you would pass by the panoramic view of the mainland of Ernakulam city, its
skyline and the shipyard on the eastern side. Once in Bolghatty, it is time for
us to unwind. Loosen yourself to the soothing cool breeze and the reassuring
touch of serene sunlight.

Alumkadavu, Kollam

Alumkadavu is the place where the first houseboats in India
were built. Located north of Kollam district, the waft of coir and wood is
always in the air of this village. And the reason is it is a major centre for
the construction of kettuvalloms which are later modified into
houseboats for travellers.

The houseboats eventually take
shape at the hands of skilled craftsmen of the village, who make sue of local
and eco-friendly materials like wood, bamboo poles and coconut fibre.

Alumkadavu is also a coir
manufacturing centre, making Kollam famous for its coir products.

Backwater stretches of Ashtamudi

Ashtamudi – So called because of its 8 arms or channels,
Ashtamudi Lake is the gateway to the backwaters. This 16 km long lake is the
second largest in Kerala, finding its way into the sea through the Neendakara
estuary.

The District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) Kollam provides boat
rides as well as houseboat cruises. The trip between Kollam and Alappuzha is
one of the most popular and longest backwater cruises in Kerala. The eight-hour
journey will give you an intimate experience of the famed waterways.

Catch a
glimpse of one of the many splendours of Ashtamudi backwaters. As the boatman
gently dips his paddle, without disturbing the prevailing calm, the ripples
spread out gently in the shimmering golden hue of the sun.

Chandragiri Fort & River

Situated near the confluence of the Payaswini River and the
Arabian Sea, the Chandragiri Village is known for its large 17th century fort
built by Sivappa Naik of Bedanore.

The Chandragiri Fort, one among a chain of
forts built by the same ruler, perched atop a hill is in ruins now. But the
location offers a breathtaking view of the convergence of the river and the
Arabian Sea. The place is a vantage point to watch the sunset from the ancient
Kizhur State Temple at Chandragiri, which celebrates the annual festival called Pattu
Utsavam. Chandragiri is situated 4 km from Bekal.

Chithari - a small island

Green and beautiful, a little effaced by the historic Bekal
Fort and beach, Chithari is still a virgin destination.

The island is
accessible only by boat, often wooden canoes that belong to the locals. A part
of the Bekal Tourism Project, this backwater area has all it takes to ome a
mega tourist destination. Chithari is located 7 km from Kanhangad.

Kavvayi Backwater at Payyanur

In Kannur, an inspiring stretch of water body Kavvayi Kayal
could perhaps be your next, most fascinating destination among the backwaters
in Kerala. The backwaters down the south of Kerala; like those in and around
Kollam and Alappuzha have their own unique attractions, surroundings and ways
of life. Kavvayi Kayal too has its own unique elements that could easily make
you fall in love with it.

You can simply unwind by taking a walk along the land that fringes the Kavvayi
Kayal or else may step into one of the country boats and relax in the cool
breeze while enjoying the abundance of surrounding greenery. This backwater
stretch is full of interesting sights and experiences that would keep
preventing your interest level from hitting a low. Locally called as Kavvayi
Kayal or the backwater of Kavvayi, this lesser known backwater of northern
Kerala is the result of the five rivers viz. River Kavvayi and its tributary
streams Kankol, Vannathichal, Kuppithodu, and Kuniyan.

From an ecological point of view the backwater of Kavvayi and its surrounding
region is considered to be of significance. The backwater and the wetlands are
home to a variety of fauna and flora.

Another interesting sight that one could encounter while on the backwaters of
Kavvayi are the nearly half a dozen of small and big islands. The backwater
setting at Kavvayi is the biggest wetland in north Kerala with an area of
roughly 37 sq km.

A boat ride ideally from Kotti-Kottappuram would enable a visitor to see and
enjoy the many inspiring sights of Kavvayi Kayal.

Kumarakom

The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on
the Vembanad Lake, and is part of the Kuttanad region. The bird sanctuary here,
which is spread across 14 acres is a favourite haunt of migratory birds and an
ornithologist's paradise. Egrets, darters, herons, teals, waterfowls, cuckoo,
wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian Stork visit here in flocks and
are a fascinate the visitors.

An enchanting backwater destination, Kumarakom offers
visitors many other leisure options. Boating and fishing facilities are
available at the Taj Garden Retreat, a sprawling old bungalow-turned-resort.

Waterscapes, the backwater resort of the Kerala Tourism
Development Corporation has independent cottages built on stilts, set amidst
coconut groves and panoramic view of the backwaters. Holiday packages involving
houseboats, traditional Kettuvalloms (rice barges) offer great experiences.

Kumbalangi - Model fishing village near Kochi

Essentially a fishing hamlet, this tiny village facing the
Kochi backwaters in the western part of the city is India’s first designated
ecotourism village and the first rural tourism village of the state. Kumbalangi
Integrated Tourism Village project is a unique initiative to transform
the tiny island as a model fishing village and tourism spot. Here at the
Kumbalangi Tourism Village one can fully savour a variety of natural
splendours, and ecological balance of the location. The model village, the
first of its kind in the country is located near the port city of Kochi
in Ernakulam District. It is a veritable treat to its visitors with the famous
Chinese fishing nets and many other sights to savour.

As art of the model village project at Kumbalangi, a nearby
island near Palluruthy would also have plenty of interesting vistas and
activities in the near future. This coastal hamlet without doubt provides a
fascinating glimpse of the simple and prosperous livelihood of the villagers,
and also unravels the age-old culture and heritage of the place.

Kalagramam, an artist’s village, displays handicrafts and fishing
equipment. Mangroves are nurtured here as well as fish farming. Bait fishing is
extremely popular among tourists here. Many houses in the village are homestays
and visitors can book their stay directly with homestay operators or seek the
assistance of the village council.

Kuttanad - the rice bowl of Kerala

It is the major rice granary of Kerala, where vast stretches
of verdant paddy fields are interlaced with enchanting backwaters create some
of the unforgettable sights.

Kuttanad, the rice bowl of Kerala is
all about an agrarian community, striking a chord of harmony with its
physical setting. Noted for its farming below sea level (about 4 to 10 feet)
the land of Kuttanad possesses a socio-cultural fabric of its own. Four major
rivers in Kerala viz. Pampa, Meenachil, Achankovil and Manimala flow
into the region.

The most popular route taken to get close and explore Kuttanad is
the Alappuzha-Changanasserry road.
This road goes through the heart of Kuttanad and
gives visitors plenty of options to watch the day-to-day life at Kuttanad.
The best thing for a visitor to Kuttanad is
that, one can take deviations from either side of the Alappuzha-Chanaganasserry road
to reach villages, predominantly consisting of farmers. During the harvest
season the vast expanse of paddy fields, at some places dotted with islets of
coconut trees, will be busy with farmers engrossed in different farming
activities;done in the traditional manner.

Quite early in the morning
itself one can sight the women folk heading towards the paddy fields carrying
their lunch box and sickle, and on the other hand men could be seen already on
the fields till the land, sowing the seeds, getting rid of weeds,
diverting water channels etc.

The Kuttanad area
is also rich in avian population, and one can easily find flocks of parrots
hovering in the paddy fields, especially those fields with rice stalks in
bloom. You may also come across a black blanket sweeping across the sky,
which on close look will reveal as yet another flock of birds. And this time
its is the darter birds, which haunt the backwaters in and aroundKuttanad and
the adjoining Vembanad Lake.

As you explore the villages, don't forget to take
a walk by the numerous canals that crisscrossKuttanad, which
are lined by tall coconut trees swaying in the breeze. During most part of the
day, these canal stretches would be abuzz with different activities. There will
be vendors on boat selling vegetables, grocery and fish to households on
the banks of these canals. You would also come across big country boats called Kettu
Vallams on which goods like coconut husk, rice grains
etc. are transported to nearby markets in bulk. Among the sights on the backwaters
here at Kuttanad, the most fascinating
obviously is that of the ducks, quacking together in high decibels and moving
across the backwaters in large numbers;shepherded by men on small boats. One
can also catch men playing on the backwater;some diving down to collect
lime shells from the depths and others fishing with their nets and traditional
cane basket called Ottal.

For those interested in trying out few local dishes
may do so by dropping at the small traditionally built wayside eateries, which
are quite famous for backwater fish delicacies and tapioca. A popular
naturally extracted beverage is the toddy, which is available in plenty and
enjoyed by many for its speciality.

You may also find Kuttanad,
a bit more exciting, if you hire a boat. You can hire motorboats,
houseboats etc. from the boat jetty operated by the government as well as
private groups near the KSRTC Bus Station at Alappuzha or
else may get on one from places like Kidangara,
which is on the Alappuzha-Changanasserry road.
Some of the places worth visiting in the Kuttanad area
are Nedumudy, Kaavalam, Champakkulam etc.

Picnic Village in Kollam

Located in the sprawling 200-year-old Guest House campus
where Lord Munroe once stayed, this tourist village at Ashramam along the
backwater front, is the main centre for recreational activities in Kollam.

The
place has a boat club, a children's traffic park and Tamarind Hotel in
addition to an adventure park. The Paaramparya Museum in the same premises has
on display paintings from different parts of the country including Warli,
Kalamkari and Madhubani as well as Kerala mural art. It is located 1 km
from Kollam city.

Valiyaparamba backwaters, Kasaragod

Located 30 km from Bekal, Valiyaparamba in Kasaragod
district of Kerala, is perhaps the most scenic backwater stretch in the state.
Fed by four rivers and dotted with numerous little islands, Valiyaparamba is
fast turning into a much favoured backwater resort that offers
enchanting boat cruises.

Getting
there

Nearest railway station: Payyanur
Railway Station is about 9 km awayNearest airport: Calicut International Airport
is about 175 km away

Willingdon Island, Kochi

Named after Lord Willingdon, a former British Viceroy of
India, this man-made island is surrounded by beautiful backwaters. The island
is the site of the city's best hotels and trading centres, the Port Trust and
the headquarters of the southern naval command.

Sasthamkotta: Queen of Lakes, Kollam

Sasthamkotta, situated about 29 km from Kollam town, can be
rightly called the 'Queen of Lakes'. This vast fresh water lake flanked
by hills on three sides is the largest of its kind in Kerala. The ancient
Sastha Temple, which lends its name to the town, is an important pilgrim
centre.

This temple dedicated to both Lord Ganesha and Lord Ayyappa is
surrounded by hills and forests, and the monkeys inhabiting the premises are
considered holy. The monkeys of Sasthamkotta are believed to be the faithful
entourage of the ruling deity, the Dharmasastha and therefore they have a
spiritual ambience about them. The monkeys are devotee-friendly, and the
thousands of devotees visiting the temple take pleasure in feeding these
monkeys with nuts and fruits.

Valapattanam, Kannur

Kannur is that part of the legendary Malabar Coast where
King Solomon's ships anchored to collect timber to build the 'Temple of the
Lord' and to secure most needed spices. Here in the little hamlet on the banks
of the river Valapattanam, is a giant of the modern timber industry -
Western India Plywood Ltd., the largest wood-based industry in South East Asia.

The timber industry of Valapattanam thrive on the
rich forest resources of the district. Teak, Iruli,Elavu, Karimurukku,
sandalwood (Sandalum album) etc. are found in plenty in the forests here. In
addition are cash crops like tea, coffee, rubber, tobacco, cashewnuts etc.

Kannur is the only place in Kerala where Pukayila (tobacco)
cultivation is carried on successfully

Valapattanam is also a famous fishing harbour as well
as the main source of the irrigation project in the district. It is a
fascinating experience to watch the traditional mode of timber transportation -
by tying long pieces of timber together and allowing them to float down
the stream.